Public Service Commission investigates meter reader complaints

The Maryland Public Service Commission says it’s investigating complaints that Potomac Edison overbilled some western Maryland electricity customers by failing to read their meters as often as required.

The agency opened a case file Tuesday on customer complaints that their meters were read less often than every other month, as required.

The Frederick-based Sugarloaf Conservancy says the company read their members’ meters an average of four times during a 13-month period in 2011 and 2012.

The complaints allege that the practice resulted in usage estimates that exceeded the amount of electricity consumed.

Potomac Edison acknowledged in July that it missed some readings but said its estimates were fair. It said it would put more meter readers in the field.